Is it noble to serve in the military of one's country, even if you politically disagree with it?

[Mars06]

This has been on my mind a bit lately.

A thought on the topic from the Bhagavad Gita:

"Considering your specific duty as a ksatriya, you should know that there is no better engagement for you than fighting on religious principles; and so there is no need for hesitation. O Partha, happy are the ksatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets. If, however, you do not fight this religious war, then you will certainly incur sins for neglecting your duties and thus lose your reputation as a fighter. People will always speak of your infamy, and for one who has been honored, dishonor is worse than death. The great generals who have highly esteemed your name and fame will think that you have left the battlefield out of fear only, and thus they will consider you a coward. Your enemies will describe you in many unkind words and scorn your ability. What could be more painful for you? O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore get up and fight with determination. Do thou fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat--and, by so doing, you shall never incur sin."

[Shah-Jehan]

Only if you are a kshatriya

[MR. JING YONG KIM]

USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!

[catgeorge]

In Greece the mentality is different.

It's part of a young mans cultural progression to be a "good citizen"

[Sekarotuinen]

Yes, very much so.

[Robocop]

Interesting question on which I cannot give you a simple answer or vote in thread.

Interesting question indeed..., well.. depends how much you dislike that country? If you hate that regime, hm.... well you would have to serve it not because of you but your family, to make them secure, so in that aspect it is noble ofcourse. It would be hard though, to serve into army of some regime you HATE, because hate is strong feeling.

But just disagree with that same regime? "just" disagree..., well yeah ofcourse It's noble because we are going back to family security, if you're family is in that country of that particular army, it's not like you have any choice, but if you are in that same army BY CHOICE, than it is not noble, such person is scum then IMO, no character.

[JohnSmith]

Yes.

[catgeorge]

serving the military is probably incorrect terminology. because when you are in barracks you subconsciously already know you are serving the people in the army. the military is always a separate institution to the govt. much like how schools and hospitals are.. but a soldier, is a soldier.... and must be a soldier